“So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich” Luke 18:22-23, NKJV.

This was a challenging moment for a rich young ruler, meeting Jesus and finding that he was not religious and was completely about the heart. Jesus knows every part of it. He knew where the young man was and confronted him there. The young man ended up missing out on his greatest life. There was one thing keeping the rich young ruler from becoming all that he was called to be. One thing is keeping him from following Jesus all the way.

We may be doing all the right things according to God’s commandments. We may be going to church. We may be serving. Yet, is there one thing Jesus says you lack and is asking for in your heart? Is there one thing He is saying to trust Him with, then the shift, the breakthrough, the peace you’re looking for will happen in your life? That one thing could very well be keeping you from your greatest life. Be encouraged today that, as Jesus says, follow Him in a deeper way, as He reveals and moves by the Holy Spirit on your heart, that you obey Him. Whenever you give up anything for Jesus, you will always receive back more.

Prayer: Father, thank You for speaking to me today. Like the rich young ruler, is there one thing I lack, Jesus? Search me, Lord. Is there something in my heart that is keeping me from following You completely? Reveal my own heart to me and help me to surrender to You. Deal with my desires or anything I’m trusting in more than You. Deal with any idols in my life. I submit to Your will and let You do what You desire in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Study: Luke 18:18-29